What should I do about my medical situation?

Medication can help in the short term. But the key is getting to the bottom of why you’re having the attacks. What are you thinking about when you first start feeling the panicky feeling?

I’ve suffered from panic attacks and I hate medication. I’d go for a run when I felt the anxiety climb. Therapy has helped me deal with what was causing the anxiety and I no longer suffer from them.

Panic attacks don’t have to be treated with medication, and there are plenty of medications that can be used to treat panic disorder that are not addictive. It can get out of hand, to the point where it is debilitating.. and it sounds like you may already be getting to that point. You can’t “tough it out,” but you can practice stress reduction techniques and learn ways to cope with the panic. Ultimately that is how you’re going to beat the anxiety in the long run, anyhow, with or without medication. It helps to consult with a professional, but when you break the whole process down.. it really comes down to you doing the hard part of figuring out the root of your problem and finding a method of coping that really works for you. Having someone to guide you through that process definitely makes it easier, but it isn’t a requirement. As long as you can rule out an actual medical condition, like high blood pressure, then it isn’t necessary to involve a doctor. Just helpful.
Have you searched in your area for mental health clinics that charge by income? There may be some options for you to get help without breaking yourself, financially. Also, have you applied for government medical assistance? You may qualify if you don’t have coverage and can not afford to pay out of pocket. Might be unlikely, but sure doesn’t hurt to try.

Well unfortunately the best drugs for this, benzos, are extremely addictive. There are some SSRI drugs that can help with anxiety, but they can also cause increased anxiety depending on the individual with your history I would try some talk therapy first. Anxiety is not just stress, it is usually feeling out of control. Meaning not having control over what is happening to you. I also have observed that people with high anxiety tend to avoid situations. Avoid dealing with a person who is upsetting to them, which can lead to avoiding anything that they fear may cause them anxious feelings, kind of like fear of the fear. Many stop driving, stop going to social events, kind of get paralyzed, afraid to do anything that might cause an attack.

Talking it through and keeping reality in check can help. Anxiety related disorders can be a lot like phobias, they get overblown in your mind. Reframing things can help.

It just happens…I can’t necessarily describe what triggers the attacks. I don’t want to consult with a doctor and get laughed at or not taken seriously. I’ve never felt comfortable enough to actually open up and say what is going on with me. Believe it or not, I didn’t know what heart burn was until I finally mentioned what I was feeling, and let me tell ya, it’s very painful to tough one of those out and I’ve been doing that for years too! That’s why I asked about the panic attacks.

I once experienced a time where I was standing up while folding some towels and the next thing I know, I was lying on the floor with my head moving side to side uncontrollably (I had no control over anything) then it quit. And I managed to sit up wondering what happened. The same person told me it could’ve been a stroke. What do you think? I’m only 23 and it scares me to death to know I’m having these medical issues this early.

When pregnant, I was induced due to high blood pressure. That was three years ago. Now, I couldn’t tell you if I still have high blood pressure because I haven’t seen a doctor since I gave birth. Sounds horrible on my end but I was kicked off Medicaid. And have never tried getting back on it, figured it was for pregnant women.

@chickdownthestreet This happens to so many people, you should not be embarrassed. I can’t imagine a medical professional laughing at you.

I don’t think you had a stroke, I think you had a seizure when you were folding the towels.

I hate to say you sound like you really need therapy. Not because of what happened when folding towels, but because of what you wrote overall. Therapy or some sort of reassurance you are not alone.

You can check your blood pressure for free at some drug stores. You might need your thyroid checked. The blood test is about $15. Thyroid problems can cause high blood pressure and panic attacks.

Thanks for your concern, along with advice. Most of my problem is that I’m scared of the outcome; the diagnosis. As a child, I had to have therapy for depression and was put on different kinds of anti depressants that never seemed to work. So, since 16 I refused to see anyone or take anything….assuming I could control my feelings and emotions. Now, I’m having a difficult time…being overwhelmed. I don’t want to know if there’s something wrong with me, nor do I want anyone to know it also. I’ve been known as a strong individual who doesn’t ask for help; typically gives advice and guides others to the right direction.

@chickdownthestreet And, you are falling apart. Being strong is not working to maintain your own health. Strong can be admitting you need help. I completely understand why you have refused medication having had bad experiences. Many doctors just throw drugs at people, you probably need a different approach. Are you depressed now? Anxiety and depression happen together all the time. If you are having seizures that can be very dangerous if you are driving, do you drive? Do you have a baby you carry? Or, is your child old enough you don’t carry him/her anymore? I really think you need to see a doctor and get some basic tests done. Especially the thyroid, and a check of your blood pressure. Don’t let them put you one blood pressure meds until you have the thyroid result back. Do you have very dry skin or eyes? Does your hair fall out a lot?

Oh, and I mentioned avoidance making you anxious. You are avoiding finding out what the heck is wrong with your health. You have had some bad experiences with doctors, and I completely empathasize with not wanting to see an incompetent doctor who will wind up not taking you seriously or not be helpful. You might have to see a couple of doctors to get to one who can help you. I have horrible anxiety going to the doctor most of the time, kind of a PTSD from having had some very bad interactions regarding a chronic illness I have. But, your symptoms call for some basic tests that most doctors should get right. Can you ask a friend to go to the doctor with you?

I would say, yes, I am depressed. I don’t want to admit it but it’s becoming more obvious that I can’t fight it anymore. I do drive but have never experienced any attack, just dozing off. Happened all the time while pregnant and occasionally now. My daughter is 3 but still needs close attention. Dry skin and dandruff is an issue I’ve been dealing with, however, I don’t think much of it; figured it was due to the weather.

I don’t know what to do, really. I’m at a loss here…I have always had trust issues, even with family. So, it’s hard for me to truly open up and get close to anyone. Especially, allowing them to know what is going on with me. I do have a friend who would do anything for me, but, like I said, I’m afraid of letting people know that I’m weaker than they thought I was.

Again, thanks for your advice! It’s real nice to talk to someone..

This is so hard because it is practically impossible to get help without insurance.
Non medical treatments might be, Yoga, other exercise (even walking) Lavender oil, B vitamins, cut all caffeine from your diet, make sure you get to bed at a decent hour, meditation (or prayer if you are so inclined,) deep breathing, remembering to exhale completely, soaking in a hot tub with epsom salts, (good for your skin condition as well) and Chamomile tea.
Just a few ideas you can try before you pay out the $200—$300 a doctor will probably charge you for the office visit.

Dandruff is usually a fungal infection. Nizoral shampoo can help you cure that, you can buy it in the drug store near other dandruff shampoos. Some of the shampoos do not have antifungals, but that one does. Make sure you don’t walk around with a wet head for a long time after washing your hair, dry your hair.

Dozing off, blackouts, can be seizures.

Are you extremely thirsty all the time?

If you put your hand on your neck or watch your neck in the mirror and swallow can you see a big bump move up and down. Kind of like a mans Adams apple, but rounder.

Is there a free clinic where you live?

I understand why you feel you might be perceived as weak if you admit your anxiety or depression. I don’t feel it shows weakness at all, but some families and communities might perceive it that way. But, you have some real physical problems going on aside from the mental ones, why would your friend or anyone judge you as weak if you might be losing consciousness or having high blood pressure? Seems like you can tell your friend you are worried about some health problems and are nervous about going to the doctor. You don’t have to reveal everything to her. But, maybe she can help you find a doctor and get there. Seems like you need someone to get you going in the right direction.